Page 186 - City of Bedford FY20 Approved Budget

City of Bedford
Program Summary
FY 2019-2020

Fund: General
Department: Development Division: Planning & Zoning

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The mission of the Planning and Zoning Division is to promote the efficient and orderly development of private properties and to
encourage the growth and enhancement of business relative to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Planning and Zoning Division
promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the community by utilizing planning principles and land use patterns developed in
the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which strives to prevent adverse or undesirable effects from incompatible land uses. Planning and
Zoning activities ensure that there is sufficient suitable land for future development, while protecting and improving the physical
environment. These efforts protect and maintain property values and ensure that land uses are properly situated in relation to one
another. The Division provides expertise in developing policy so that properties can be adequately serviced by public services and
facilities. Additionally, these procedures preserve and assist in the development of the community's economic base. The Division's
customers include the private sector development community, Bedford businesses, prospective businesses, residents, visitors, and other
City departments.

FY 2018-2019 HIGHLIGHTS

∗ Facilitated meetings with potential developers, consultants and citizen groups on Bedford Commons design guidelines.
∗ Processed a variety of zoning applications ranging from hospitality to residential developments.
∗ Participated in the legal training for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
∗ Assisted in the facilitation of the Phase Next public meetings.

FY 2019-2020 DIVISIONAL GOALS
(AS RELATED TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS)

Revitalization
∗ Enforce the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Land Use Plan to protect the vitality of the neighborhoods, and seek
opportunities to enhance them.
∗ Align zoning language to help implement neighborhood programs.

Economic Vitality
∗ Prepare projects for development, which allow for continued economic growth in the City.
Transformation
∗ Support for Phase Next design and construction.
∗ Seek out opportunities to further develop arts and culture within the City.

Organizational Excellence
∗ Give the best customer service by answering zoning inquiry phone calls and preparing cases for Planning and Zoning
Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Council.
∗ Provide timely information and manage planning and zoning cases efficiently through the process.
Communicate & Engage with Citizens
∗ Place recorded public meetings on website.
∗ Follow state-mandated processes to notify property owners within 200 feet of a change in the property, whether it be zoning or
otherwise.

160